Jesse Norman

The Times book review: Adam Smith: What He Thought and Why It Matters by Jesse Norman — he would be aghast at modern capitalism

Adam Smith notoriously believed that the state should make way for the “invisible hand” (his best-known phrase), which is guided by self-interest, the best and ultimate incentive. The 18th-century thinker is thus a fine scapegoat for inequality, greed, boom-and-bust economics and other woes.

The Sunday Telegraph book review: At last the pioneer is freed from the clutches of free-marketeers

The two words, Adam Smith, contain a strange power. Many years ago, I found myself in an African country having what the official communiqués joyfully describe as "a frank discussion" (a monumental row) with a very bright young official from the World Bank who had recently acquired religion. The religious belief in question was a complete (and, in this case, utterly naive) adherence to laissez-faire economics. At a certain point in the conversation, the official produced with a huge flourish the supposedly knock-down argument that the recommendation of the World Bank was just what Adam Smith would have recommended.

Evening Standard book review

“In a world of uncertainty, extremism and misunderstanding we need Adam Smith,” argues Jesse Norman at the end of his compelling, original and well-judged exploration of the great thinker’s life and ideas. He does not add — but would surely not object to someone suggesting — that we need more people like Norman in politics too.

Financial Times: How Adam Smith would fix capitalism

Capitalism in flames, populism and nationalism on the march across Europe, a US president bent on demolishing free trade, a British shadow chancellor calling openly for the overthrow of capitalism itself . . . the 21st century is not going to script.